Chemically strengthened glass, method for producing same, and glass for chemical strengthening

ABSTRACT

A plate-like chemically strengthened glass having a compression stress layer on the surface of the glass, wherein the compressive stress value (CS 0 ) at the glass surface of is 500 MPa or more, the plate thickness (t) is 400 µm or more, the compressive stress depth of layer (DOL) is (t × 0.15) µm or more, the compressive stress values (CS 1 ) and (CS 2 ) when the depth from the glass surface is ¼ and ½, respectively, are 50 MPa or more, m 1  expressed by {m 1  = (CS 1  - CS 2 /(DOL/4 - DOL/2)} is -1.5 MPa/µm or more, m 2  expressed by {m 2  = (CS 2 /(DOL/2 - DOL)} is 0 MPa/µm or less, and m 2  is less than m 1 .

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a chemically strengthened glass.

BACKGROUND ART

Chemically strengthened glasses are used as, for example, the coverglasses of portable terminals.

A chemically strengthened glass is a glass obtained by bringing a glassinto contact with a molten salt which contains metal ions such as alkalimetal ions and causing an ion exchange between metal ions in the glassand metal ions in the molten salt to thereby form a compressive stresslayer in the glass surface. The strength of the chemically strengthenedglass depends strongly on a stress profile, which is represented bycompressive stress value using depth from the glass surface as avariable.

There are cases where the cover glasses of portable terminals and thelike crack when bent by external force. The starting point for thiscrack lies in the surface of the glass, and when minute cracks in theglass surface enlarge, the glass breaks. It is hence thought that thecover glass can be made less apt to crack by heightening the compressivestress value of the glass surface to thereby inhibit the minute cracksfrom enlarging.

In case where a portable terminal or the like is dropped onto an asphaltpavement or sand, the cover glass thereof sometimes cracks due to aprotrusion. The starting point for this crack lies under the glasssurface. It is hence thought that the cover glass can be made less aptto crack by making a depth of the compressive stress layer larger tothereby form the compressive stress layer in a deeper portion of theglass.

Meanwhile, the formation of a compressive stress layer in a surface of aglass inevitably results in the formation of a tensile stress layerinside the glass. In cases when the value of internal tensile stress islarge, the chemically strengthened glass is apt to fracture vigorouslyupon breakage to scatter the fragments. Investigations are hence beingmade on methods for increasing both surface compressive stress and depthof compressive stress while inhibiting the internal tensile stress fromincreasing.

Patent Literature 1 indicates that a chemically strengthened glasshaving a depth of a compressive stress layer of 90 µm or larger isobtained by an ion exchange treatment conducted once or twice. PatentLiterature 1 shows, as a drawing, a typical stress profile obtained byconducting an ion exchange treatment twice. The profile is configured oftwo linear segments, i.e., a straight line indicating a stress profilefrom the glass surface to a point X lying at a certain depth and astraight line indicating a stress profile from the point X to a pointwhere the stress becomes zero (Patent Literature 1, FIG. 8 ). Accordingto Patent Literature 1, such stress profile makes it possible toincrease both surface compressive stress and depth of compressive stresswhile inhibiting the internal tensile stress from increasing.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: International Publication WO 2015/127483

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

However, there have been cases where even the glass described in PatentLiterature 1 is insufficient in the strength required against droppingonto sand or an asphalt pavement (hereinafter sometimes referred to as“dropping-onto-asphalt strength”).

An object of the present invention is to provide a chemicallystrengthened glass which has high dropping-onto-asphalt strength and isless apt to scatter fragments upon breakage.

Solution to the Problem

The present inventors, through the examination and experiment describedbelow, thought that to increase the maximum depth giving a compressivestress of 50 MPa is important for heightening dropping-onto-asphaltstrength rather than to increase the depth of a compressive stress DOL.

In cases when a glass sheet is dropped onto an asphalt pavement, minutecracks are formed in an inner portion of the glass sheet because of asurface protrusion of the asphalt. When the formed minute crackspropagate and enlarge, the glass sheet breaks. The propagation of theminute cracks can be inhibited by a compressive stress of about 50 MPa.The present inventors hence thought that in cases when a glass sheet hasa large maximum depth giving a compressive stress of 50 MPa, this glasssheet is less apt to break even after minute cracks are formed insidethe glass by a relatively large protrusion.

Table 1 shows the results of an experiment in which a float glass sheetincluding, in mass percentage on an oxide basis, 60.7% of SiO₂, 16.8% ofAl₂O₃, 15.6% of Na₂O, 1.2% of K₂O, 5.3% of MgO, and 0.4% of ZrO₂ waschemically strengthened and subjected to the dropping-onto-asphaltstrength test that will be described later. There was a tendency in thisexperiment that the larger the maximum depth giving a compressive stressof 50 MPa, the more the glass sheet withstood dropping from higherpositions.

TABLE 1 Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Depth (µm) giving 30 MPa 39 64 79Depth (µm) giving 50 MPa 35 58 70 Dropping height (cm) 60 95 135

The present inventors hence thought that to increase the maximum depthgiving a compressive stress of 50 MPa is important for heighteningdropping-onto-asphalt strength rather than to increase the depth of acompressive stress DOL. The inventors made investigations, thinking thatit was difficult, with a stress profile constituted of two or lesslinear segment such as that described in Patent Literature 1, to inhibitthe internal tensile stress (CT) from increasing and to increase themaximum depth giving a compressive stress of 50 MPa. As a result, thepresent invention has been completed.

The present invention relates to the following <1> to <12>.

<1> A chemically strengthened glass having a sheet shape and having acompressive stress layer in a glass surface, in which:

-   the glass surface has a compressive stress value (CS₀) of 500 MPa or    higher;-   a sheet thickness (t) is 400 µm or larger;-   a depth of the compressive stress layer (DOL) is (t×0.15) µm or    larger;-   a compressive stress value (CS₁) measured at a point lying at a    depth of ¼ of the DOL from the glass surface is 50 MPa or higher;-   a compressive stress value (CS₂) measured at a point lying at a    depth of ½ of the DOL from the glass surface is 50 MPa or higher;    and-   a value of m₁ represented by the following expression is -1.5 MPa/µm    or larger, a value of m₂ represented by the following expression is    0 MPa/µm or less, and the value of m₂ is smaller than the value of    m₁:-   m₁ = (CS₁ − CS₂)/(DOL/4 − DOL/2),-   m₂ = CS₂/(DOL/2 − DOL).

<2> A chemically strengthened glass having a sheet shape and having acompressive stress layer in a glass surface, in which:

-   the glass surface has a compressive stress value (CS₀) of 500 MPa or    higher;-   a depth of the compressive stress layer (DOL) is 100 µm or larger;-   a compressive stress value (CS₁) measured at a point lying at a    depth of ¼ of the DOL from the glass surface is 50 MPa or higher;-   a compressive stress value (CS₂) measured at a point lying at a    depth of ½ of the DOL from the glass surface is 50 MPa or higher;    and-   a value of m₁ represented by the following expression is -1.5 MPa/µm    or larger, a value of m₂ represented by the following expression is    0 MPa/µm or less, and the value of m₂ is smaller than the value of    m₁:-   m₁ = (CS₁ − CS₂)/(DOL/4 − DOL/2),-   m₂ = CS₂/(DOL/2 − DOL).

<3> The chemically strengthened glass according to <1> or <2> above,having a maximum depth which gives the compressive stress value of 50MPa or higher of (0.55×DOL) µm or larger with respect to the DOL.

<4> The chemically strengthened glass according to any one of <1> to <3>above, having a ratio (m₁/m₂) between the value of m₁ and the value ofm₂ of less than 0.9.

<5> The chemically strengthened glass according to any one of <1> to <4>above, in which the value of m₁ is 0.5 MPa/µm or less.

<6> The chemically strengthened glass according to any one of <1> to <5>above, having an internal tensile stress value of less than 100 MPa.

<7> The chemically strengthened glass according to any one of <1> to <6>above, having a value of m₃ represented by the following expression of120 MPa/µm or larger, with respect to a compressive stress value (CS₃)measured at a point lying at a depth from the glass surface of 2.5 µm :

m₃ = (CS₀ − CS₃)/2.5.

<8> The chemically strengthened glass according to any one of <1> to <7>above, having a base composition including, in mass percentage on anoxide basis:

-   55-80% of SiO₂;-   15-28% of Al₂O₃;-   0-10% of B₂O₃;-   2-10% of Li₂O;-   0.5-10% of Na₂O;-   0-10% of K₂O;-   0-10% of (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO); and-   0-5% of (ZrO₂+TiO₂).

<9> A method for producing a chemically strengthened glass, the methodincluding:

-   bringing a glass for chemical strengthening which includes Li₂O into    contact with a metal salt including an Na ion to conduct an ion    exchange;-   subsequently bringing the glass into contact with a metal salt    including an Li ion to conduct an ion exchange; and-   then bringing the glass into contact with a metal salt including a K    ion to conduct an ion exchange.

<10> A method for producing a chemically strengthened glass, the methodincluding:

-   bringing a glass for chemical strengthening which includes Li₂O into    contact with a metal salt including an Na ion to conduct an ion    exchange;-   subsequently heat-treating the glass without bringing the glass into    contact with any metal salt, and-   then bringing the glass into contact with a metal salt including a K    ion to conduct an ion exchange.

<11> The method for producing a chemically strengthened glass accordingto <9> or <10> above, in which the glass for chemical strengtheningincludes, in mass percentage on an oxide basis:

-   55-80% of SiO₂;-   15-28% of Al₂O₃;-   0-10% of B₂O₃;-   2-10% of Li₂O;-   0.5-10% of Na₂O;-   0-10% of K₂O;-   0-10% of (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO); and-   0-5% of (ZrO₂+TiO₂).

<12> A glass for chemical strengthening including, in mass percentage onan oxide basis:

-   55-75% of SiO₂;-   15-25% of Al₂O₃;-   0-10% of B₂O₃;-   2-10% of Li₂O;-   1-10% of Na₂O;-   0.5-10% of K₂O;-   0-10% of (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO); and-   0-5% of (ZrO₂+TiO₂).

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, a chemically strengthened glasswhich has high dropping-onto-asphalt strength and is inhibited fromscattering fragments upon breakage is obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a chart showing a part of a stress profile of chemicallystrengthened glass 1.

FIG. 2 is a chart showing a part of a stress profile of chemicallystrengthened glass 3.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing a part of a stress profile of chemicallystrengthened glass 5.

FIG. 4 is a chart showing a part of a stress profile of chemicallystrengthened glass 7.

FIG. 5 is a chart showing a part of a stress profile of chemicallystrengthened glass 12.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In this description, each symbol “-” used for indicating a numericalrange means that the numerical values that precede and succeed thesymbol are included in the range as the lower limit and the upper limitrespectively. Unless otherwise indicated, the “-” has the same meaninghereinafter.

In this description, “stress profile” shows values of compressive stressusing depth from the glass surface as a variable. “Depth of compressivestress layer DOL” is the depth to a point where the compressive stressvalue CS becomes zero. For example, in the stress profile shown in FIG.1 , the depth to the point indicated by arrow c is DOL.

A stress profile is obtained, for example, by analyzing a thin sectionof a glass with a birefringence imaging system. Examples of thebirefringence imaging system include birefringence imaging systemAbrio-IM, manufactured by Tokyo Instruments, Inc. A stress profile canbe measured also by utilizing the photoelasticity of scattered light. Inthis method, light is caused to enter the glass through a surfacethereof and the resultant scattered light is analyzed for polarization.

“Internal tensile stress CT” means a tensile stress value as measured ata depth which is ½ of the glass sheet thickness t.

In this description, the term “chemically strengthened glass” means aglass which has undergone a chemical strengthening treatment, while theterm “glass for chemical strengthening” means a glass which is to besubjected to a chemical strengthening treatment.

In this description, the “base composition of a chemically strengthenedglass” is the glass composition of the glass for chemical strengthening.Except for the case where an extreme ion exchange treatment has beengiven, the glass composition of any portion of the chemicallystrengthened glass which is located deeper than the DOL is the basecomposition of the chemically strengthened glass.

In this description, a glass composition is given in mass percentage onan oxide basis unless otherwise indicated, and mass% is expressed simplyby “%”.

In this description, the phrase “contain substantially no X” means thatthe content of X is not higher than the level of the contents ofimpurities contained in raw materials or the like, that is, X has notbeen incorporated on purpose. Specifically, the content is, for example,less than 0.1%.

Chemically Strengthened Glass

The chemically strengthened glass of the present invention (hereinafteroften referred to as “present strengthened glass”) has a sheet shape,and usually has a flat sheet shape but may have a curved shape.

The present strengthened glass has a compressive stress layer in a glasssurface. The present strengthened glass has a sheet thickness (t) of 400µm or larger and a depth of the compressive stress layer (DOL) of(t×0.15) µm or larger, or has a depth of the compressive stress layer(DOL) of 100 µm or larger. The present strengthened glass may be onewhich has a sheet thickness (t) of 400 µm or larger and a depth of thecompressive stress layer (DOL) of (t×0.15) µm or larger and 100 µm orlarger.

The sheet thickness (t) of the present strengthened glass is preferably400 µm or larger, more preferably 600 µm or larger, still morepreferably 700 µm or larger. This is because such thicknesses result inincreased glass strength. Although larger sheet thicknesses (t) arepreferred from the standpoint of heightening the strength, too large avalue of t results in a larger weight. Consequently, the sheet thickness(t) is preferably 2,000 µm or less, more preferably 1,000 µm or less.

Since the DOL thereof is large, the present strengthened glass is lessapt to crack even when having received scratches due to dropping or thelike, and is preferable. The DOL of the present strengthened glass ispreferably (t×0.15) µm or larger, more preferably (t×0.18) µm or larger,still more preferably (t×0.19) µm or larger, especially preferably(t×0.2) µm or larger.

Meanwhile, the DOL thereof is preferably (t×0.3) µm or less, morepreferably (t×0.25) µm or less, still more preferably (t×0.22) µm orless. This is because such DOL values inhibit the internal tensilestress (CT) from increasing.

The DOL of the present strengthened glass is preferably 100 µm orlarger, more preferably 120 µm or larger, still more preferably 140 µmor larger.

The CT thereof is preferably 110 MPa or less because the chemicallystrengthened glass having such a CT value is less apt to scatterfragments upon breakage. The CT thereof is more preferably 100 MPa orless, still more preferably 90 MPa or less.

The present strengthened glass has a glass-surface compressive stressvalue CS₀ of 500 MPa or higher. This is preferred because thischemically strengthened glass is less apt to crack even when, forexample, deformed by an impact. The CS₀ thereof is preferably 600 MPa orhigher, more preferably 700 MPa or higher, still more preferably 800 MPaor higher. Meanwhile, from the standpoint of inhibiting the CT fromincreasing, the CS₀ thereof is preferably 1,500 MPa or less, morepreferably 1,300 MPa or less, still more preferably 1,100 MPa or less,especially preferably 900 MPa or less.

Since the present strengthened glass has a compressive stress value(CSi), as measured at a point lying at a depth of DOL/4 from the glasssurface, of 50 MPa or higher, the present strengthened glass is less aptto break when dropped onto sand or an asphalt pavement. From thestandpoint of increasing the dropping-onto-asphalt strength, the CS₁thereof is preferably 60 MPa or higher, more preferably 70 MPa orhigher. In case where the CS₁ thereof is too high, this glass is proneto have an increased CT and hence to scatter fragments upon breakage.Because of this, the CS₁ thereof is preferably 120 MPa or less, morepreferably 100 MPa or less, still more preferably 80 MPa or less.

Since the present strengthened glass has a compressive stress value(CS₂), as measured at a point lying at a depth of DOL/2 from the glasssurface, of 50 MPa or higher, the present strengthened glass is less aptto break even when receiving scratches upon dropping onto sand or anasphalt pavement. From the standpoint of increasing thedropping-onto-asphalt strength, the CS₂ thereof is preferably 60 MPa orhigher, more preferably 70 MPa or higher. In case where the CS₂ thereofis too high, this glass is more prone to scatter fragments uponbreakage. This is because this glass has an increased CT. Consequently,the CS₂ thereof is preferably 120 MPa or less, more preferably 100 MPaor less, still more preferably 80 MPa or less.

Since the present strengthened glass has a value of m₁ represented bythe following expression of -1.5 MPa/µm or larger, the CT thereof isinhibited from increasing and this glass is less apt to fracturevigorously. The value of m₁ is preferably -1.0 MPa/µm or larger, morepreferably -0.8 MPa/µm or larger.

m₁ = (CS₁ − CS₂)/(DOL/4 − DOL/2)

Meanwhile, in case where m₁ is too large, the end surfaces of thechemically strengthened glass are prone to crack. Since a chemicallystrengthened glass is a glass in which compressive stress has beenimparted to the glass surfaces, the compressive stress value of thisglass as a whole is larger in an outer-side portion thereof than in aninner-side portion thereof. Consequently, the CS₁, which is thecompressive stress value of an outer-side portion, is usually largerthan the CS₂, which is the compressive stress value of an inner-sideportion, and the value of m₁ is usually negative. Although it ispossible to make the value of m₁ positive by regulating the stressprofile, the glass sheet in this case locally includes an inner portionwhere the outer-side compressive stress value is smaller than theinner-side compressive stress value. The inner portion hence has astrain, and this renders the end surfaces prone to crack.

The value of m₁ is preferably 0.5 MPa/µm or less, more preferably 0.3MPa/µm or less, still more preferably 0 MPa/µm or less, especiallypreferably -0.2 MPa/µm or less. This is because such values of m₁inhibit the end surfaces from cracking.

The value of m₂ represented by the following expression is 0 MPa/µm orless and is smaller than m₁. Namely, the ratio between m₁ and m₂ (m₁/m₂)is less than 1.

m₂ = CS₂/(DOL/2 − DOL)

The value of m₁/m₂ is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.85 orless, still more preferably 0.8 or less, yet still more preferably 0.75or less, especially preferably 0.7 or less. Such small values of m₁/m₂inhibit the CT from increasing.

Meanwhile, m₁/m₂ is preferably -0.2 or larger, more preferably 0 orlarger, still more preferably 0.1 or larger, especially preferably 0.25or larger. This is because such values of m₁/m₂ render the end surfacesof the glass less apt to crack.

In the present strengthened glass, the value of m₃ represented by thefollowing expression, in which CS₃ is the compressive stress value asmeasured at a depth of 2.5 µm, is preferably 120 MPa/µm or larger. Thismakes it possible to keep the CT low even when the CS₀ is increased.

m₃ = (CS₀ − CS₃)/2.5

The value of m₃ is more preferably 150 MPa/µm or larger, still morepreferably 180 MPa/µm or larger, yet still more preferably 200 MPa/µm orlarger, especially preferably 220 MPa/µm or larger. Meanwhile, in casewhere m₃ is too larger, the glass surfaces are prone to receive adecrease in strength due to minute scratches. Because of this, m₃ ispreferably 500 MPa/µm or less, more preferably 400 MPa/µm or less, stillmore preferably 300 MPa/µm or less.

In the present strengthened glass, the maximum depth (D_(50M)) giving acompressive stress value of 50 MPa or higher is preferably (0.55×DOL) µmor larger, more preferably (0.6×DOL) µm or larger, still more preferably(0.65×DOL) µm or larger. This heightens the dropping-onto-asphaltstrength.

Glass for Chemical Strengthening

It is preferable that the glass for chemical strengthening of thepresent invention (hereinafter often referred to as “the present glassfor strengthening) after having been immersed for 1 hour in 450° C.molten sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) salt has a glass-surface compressivestress value (CS) of 200 MPa or higher. The glass thus treatedpreferably has a DOL of 40 µm or larger.

The CS of the glass which has undergone 1-hour immersion in 450° C.molten sodium nitrate salt is more preferably 250 MPa or higher, stillmore preferably 300 MPa or higher, especially preferably 350 MPa orhigher, most preferably 400 MPa or higher. The glass having suchproperties is readily made to have a high CS by chemical strengthening.

The DOL of the glass which has undergone 1-hour immersion in 450° C.molten sodium nitrate salt is more preferably 50 µm or larger, stillmore preferably 60 µm or larger, especially preferably 70 µm or larger.In cases when the glass for chemical strengthening has such properties,a strengthening treatment thereof can be carried out in a shorter timeperiod.

In general, too high a CS results in too small a DOL, and too large aDOL results in too low a CS. From the standpoint of a balancetherebetween, the CS of the glass which has undergone 1-hour immersionin 450° C. molten sodium nitrate salt is preferably 700 MPa or less,more preferably 600 MPa or less, still more preferably 500 MPa or less.The DOL thereof is preferably 170 µm or less, more preferably 150 µm orless, still more preferably 130 µm or less.

It is preferable that the present glass for strengthening, after havingbeen immersed for 1 hour in 450° C. molten potassium nitrate (KNO₃)salt, has a CS of 500 MPa or higher. The glass thus treated preferablyhas a DOL of 3 µm or larger.

The CS of the glass which has undergone 1-hour immersion in 450° C.molten potassium nitrate salt is more preferably 600 MPa or higher,still more preferably 700 MPa or higher, yet still more preferably 800MPa or higher. The glass for chemical strengthening which has suchproperties is readily made to have a high CS and, hence, a chemicallystrengthened glass having high strength is apt to be obtained therefrom.

The DOL of the glass which has undergone 1-hour immersion in 450° C.molten potassium nitrate salt is more preferably 4 µm or larger, stillmore preferably 5 µm or larger, yet still more preferably 6 µm orlarger. In cases when the glass for strengthening has such properties, astrengthening treatment thereof can be carried out in a shorter timeperiod..

In general, too high a CS results in too small a DOL, and too large aDOL results in too low a CS. From the standpoint of a balancetherebetween, the CS of the glass which has undergone 1-hour immersionin 450° C. molten potassium nitrate salt is preferably 1,400 MPa orless, more preferably 1,300 MPa or less, still more preferably 1,100 MPaor less, especially preferably 900 MPa or less. The DOL of the glasswhich has undergone 1-hour immersion in 450° C. molten potassium nitratesalt is preferably 20 µm or less, more preferably 15 µm or less, stillmore preferably 10 µm or less.

It is more preferable that the present glass for strengthening has a DOLof 40 µm or larger after having undergone 1-hour immersion in 450° C.molten sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) salt and has a CS of 500 MPa or higherafter having undergone 1-hour immersion in 450° C. molten potassiumnitrate (KNO₃) salt.

This is because in cases when the glass for strengthening has suchproperties, a chemically strengthened glass having a high CS and a largeDOL and inhibited from increasing in CT is easy to be obtained therefromthrough chemical strengthening treatments with a sodium salt and apotassium salt.

The present glass for strengthening preferably has a glass transitiontemperature (Tg) of 480° C. or higher, from the standpoint of inhibitingthe glass from undergoing stress relaxation during chemicalstrengthening. The Tg thereof is more preferably 500° C. or higher,still more preferably 520° C. or higher, from the standpoint ofinhibiting the stress relaxation to obtain a high compressive stress.

The Tg thereof is preferably 700° C. or lower, from the standpoint ofheightening ion diffusion rates in chemical strengthening. From thestandpoint of easily obtaining a large DOL, the Tg thereof is morepreferably 650° C. or lower, still more preferably 600° C. or lower.

The present glass for strengthening preferably has a Young’s modulus of70 GPa or higher. There is a tendency that the higher the Young’smodulus thereof is, the less the strengthened glass is apt to scatterfragments upon breakage. Because of this, the Young’s modulus thereof ismore preferably 75 GPa or higher, still more preferably 80 GPa orhigher. Meanwhile, in case where the Young’s modulus thereof is toohigh, there is a tendency that ion diffusion is slow in chemicalstrengthening, making it difficult to obtain a large DOL. Consequently,the Young’s modulus thereof is preferably 110 GPa or less, morepreferably 100 GPa or less, still more preferably 90 GPa or less.

The present glass for strengthening preferably has a Vickers hardness of575 or higher. There is a tendency that the higher the Vickers hardnessof the glass for chemical strengthening is, the higher the Vickershardness of the chemically strengthened glass is and the less thechemically strengthened glass is apt to receive scratches when dropped.Consequently, the Vickers hardness of the glass for chemicalstrengthening is preferably 600 or higher, more preferably 625 orhigher.

The Vickers hardness of the chemically strengthened glass is preferably600 or higher, more preferably 625 or higher, still more preferably 650or higher.

Higher Vickers hardnesses are preferred because the higher the Vickershardness, the less the glass is apt to receive scratches. Usually,however, the Vickers hardness of the present glass for strengthening is850 or less. Glasses having too high a Vickers hardness is less apt tohave sufficient ion exchange property. Because of this, the Vickershardness of the present glass for strengthening is preferably 800 orless, more preferably 750 or less.

The present glass for strengthening preferably has a fracture toughnessof 0.7 MPa•m^(½) or higher. There is a tendency that the higher thefracture toughness thereof is, the more the chemically strengthenedglass is inhibited from scattering fragments upon breakage. The fracturetoughness thereof is more preferably 0.75 MPa•m^(½) or higher, stillmore preferably 0.8 MPa•m^(½) or higher.

The fracture toughness thereof is usually 1 MPa•m^(½) or less.

The present glass for strengthening preferably has an average thermalexpansion coefficient (α) in the range of 50° C. to 350° C. of 100×10⁻⁷/°C or less. The glass having a low average expansion coefficient (α) isless apt to warp when formed or when cooled after chemicalstrengthening. The average expansion coefficient (α) thereof is morepreferably 95×10⁻⁷ /°C or less, still more preferably 90×10⁻⁷ /°C orless.

In order to inhibit a chemically strengthened glass from warping, loweraverage thermal expansion coefficient (α) thereof is more preferred.Usually, however, the average thermal expansion coefficient (α) is60×10⁻⁷ /°C or higher.

The present glass for strengthening has a temperature (T₂) at which aviscosity thereof is 10² dPa•s of preferably 1,750° C. or lower, morepreferably 1,700° C. or lower, still more preferably 1,680° C. or lower.T₂ is usually 1,400° C. or higher.

The present glass for strengthening has a temperature (T₄) at which aviscosity thereof is 10⁴ dPa•s of preferably 1,350° C. or lower, morepreferably 1,300° C. or lower, still more preferably 1,250° C. or lower.T₄ is usually 1,000° C. or higher.

The present glass for chemical strengthening preferably has a liquidphase temperature of (T₄+50)°C or lower. This is because such glassesare easy to be produced by the float process. The liquid phasetemperature thereof is more preferably (T₄+25)°C or lower, still morepreferably T₄°C or lower.

The present glass for strengthening preferably includes, in masspercentage on an oxide basis, 50-80% of SiO₂, 15-25% of Al₂O₃, 0-10% ofB₂O₃, 2-10% of Li₂O, 0-10% of Na₂O, and 0-10% of K₂O and has a totalcontent (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO) of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO of 0-10% and a totalcontent (ZrO₂+TiO₂) of ZrO₂ and TiO₂ of 0-5%.

The present glass for strengthening more preferably includes, in masspercentage on an oxide basis, 55-80% of SiO₂, 15-28% of Al₂O₃, 0-10% ofB₂O₃, 2-10% of Li₂O, 0.5-10% of Na₂O, and 0-10% of K₂O and has a totalcontent (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO) of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO of 0-10% and a totalcontent (ZrO₂+TiO₂) of ZrO₂ and TiO₂ of 0-5%.

The present glass for strengthening still more preferably includes, inmass percentage on an oxide basis, 55-75% of SiO₂, 15-25% of Al₂O₃,0-10% of B₂O₃, 2-10% of Li₂O, 1-10% of Na₂O, and 0.5-10% of K₂O and hasa value of (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO) of 0-10% and a value of (ZrO₂+TiO₂) of0-5%.

Such glasses are apt to form a preferred stress profile through achemical strengthening treatment. These preferred glass compositions areexplained below.

SiO₂ is a component which constitutes the glass network. SiO₂ is also acomponent which enhances the chemical durability and which inhibits theglass from cracking after having received scratches on glass surface.The content of SiO₂ is preferably 50% or higher, more preferably 55% orhigher, still more preferably 58% or higher.

From the standpoint of enhancing the meltability of the glass, thecontent of SiO₂ is preferably 80% or less, more preferably 75% or less,still more preferably 70% or less.

Al₂O₃ is a component which is effective in improving the ion exchangeproperty in chemical strengthening and effective in thereby imparting ahigher surface compressive stress through the strengthening. Al₂O₃ isalso a component which heightens the glass transition temperature (Tg)and increases the Young’s modulus. The content thereof is preferably 13%or higher, more preferably 15% or higher.

From the standpoint of enhancing the meltability, the content of Al₂O₃is preferably 28% or less, more preferably 26% or less, still morepreferably 25% or less.

B₂O₃, although not essential, can be added in order to, for example,improve the meltability for glass production. In the case ofincorporating B₂O₃, the content thereof is preferably 0.5% or higher,more preferably 1% or higher, still more preferably 2% or higher.

The content of B₂O₃ is preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% orless, still more preferably 3% or less, most preferably 1% or less. Thiscan prevent the glass in a molten state from forming striae and thusprevent a glass for chemical strengthening from having reduced quality.From the standpoint of enhancing the acid resistance, it is preferablethat the glass for chemical strengthening contains substantially noB₂O₃.

Li₂O is a component for imparting surface compressive stress through anion exchange. The content of Li₂O is preferably 2% or higher, morepreferably 3% or higher, still more preferably 4% or higher, from thestandpoint of increasing the depth of a compressive stress layer DOL.

From the standpoint of enhancing the chemical durability of the glass,the content of Li₂O is preferably 10% or less, more preferably 8% orless, still more preferably 7% or less.

Na₂O is a component for forming a surface compressive stress layerthrough an ion exchange in which a potassium-containing molten salt isused, and is also a component that improves the meltability of theglass. The content of Na₂O is preferably 0.5% or higher, more preferably1% or higher, still more preferably 1.5% or higher.

The content of Na₂O is preferably 10% or less, more preferably 8% orless, still more preferably 6% or less.

K₂O, although not essential, may be contained in order to improve themeltability of the glass and inhibit devitrification. The content of K₂Ois preferably 0.5% or higher, more preferably 1% or higher.

From the standpoint of obtaining a larger value of compressive stressthrough an ion exchange, the content of K₂O is preferably 10% or less,more preferably 9% or less, still more preferably 8% or less.

Alkali metal oxides such as Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O are each a componentwhich lowers the melting temperature of the glass, and it is preferablethat the total content of such alkali metal oxides is 5% or higher. Thetotal content (Li₂O+Na₂O+K₂O) of Li₂O, Na₂O, and K₂O is preferably 5% orhigher, more preferably 7% or higher, still more preferably 8% orhigher.

The value of (Li₂O+Na₂O+K₂O) is preferably 20% or less, more preferably18% or less, from the standpoint of maintaining the strength of theglass.

Alkaline earth metal oxides such as MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO are each acomponent which enhances the meltability of the glass but tends toreduce the ion exchange performance.

The total content (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO) of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO ispreferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less.

In cases when any of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO is contained, it ispreferable that MgO is contained, from the standpoint of heightening thestrength of the chemically strengthened glass.

In the case where MgO is contained, the content thereof is preferably0.1% or higher, more preferably 0.5% or higher.

From the standpoint of enhancing the ion exchange performance, thecontent thereof is preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less.

In the case of incorporating CaO, the content thereof is preferably 0.5%or higher, more preferably 1% or higher. From the standpoint ofenhancing the ion exchange performance, the content thereof ispreferably 5% or less, more preferably 1% or less, and it is still morepreferable that the glass contains substantially no CaO.

In the case of incorporating SrO, the content thereof is preferably 0.5%or higher, more preferably 1% or higher. From the standpoint ofenhancing the ion exchange performance, the content thereof ispreferably 5% or less, more preferably 1% or less, and it is still morepreferable that the glass contains substantially no SrO.

In the case of incorporating BaO, the content thereof is preferably 0.5%or higher, more preferably 1% or higher. From the standpoint ofenhancing the ion exchange performance, the content thereof ispreferably 5% or less, more preferably 1% or less, and it is still morepreferable that the glass contains substantially no BaO.

ZnO, which may be incorporated, is a component that improves themeltability of the glass. In the case of incorporating ZnO, the contentthereof is preferably 0.2% or higher, more preferably 0.5% or higher.From the standpoint of enhancing the weathering resistance of the glass,the content of ZnO is preferably 5% or less, more preferably 1% or less,and it is still more preferable that the glass contains substantially noZnO.

TiO₂, which may be incorporated, is a component that inhibits thechemically strengthened glass from scattering fragments upon breakage.In the case of incorporating TiO₂, the content thereof is preferably0.1% or higher. From the standpoint of inhibiting devitrification duringmelting, the content of TiO₂ is preferably 5% or less, more preferably1% or less, and it is still more preferable that the glass containssubstantially no TiO₂.

ZrO₂, which may be incorporated, is a component that enables anincreased surface compressive stress to be imparted through ionexchange. In the case of incorporating ZrO₂, the content thereof ispreferably 0.5% or higher, more preferably 1% or higher. From thestandpoint of inhibiting devitrification during melting, the contentthereof is preferably 5% or less, more preferably 3% or less.

The content (TiO₂+ZrO₂) of TiO₂ and ZrO₂ is preferably 5% or less, morepreferably 3% or less.

Y₂O₃, La₂O₃, and Nb₂O₅, which may be incorporated, are components thatinhibit the chemically strengthened glass from fracturing. In the caseof incorporating these components, the content of each component ispreferably 0.5% or higher, more preferably 1% or higher, still morepreferably 1.5% or higher, especially preferably 2% or higher, mostpreferably 2.5% or higher.

The total content of Y₂O₃, La₂O₃, and Nb₂O₅ is preferably 9% or less,more preferably 8% or less. The glass having such a total contentthereof is less apt to devitrify when melted, thereby preventing aquality of a chemically strengthened glass from being reduced. Thecontent of each of Y₂O₃, La₂O₃, and Nb₂O₅ is preferably 3% or less, morepreferably 2% or less, still more preferably 1% or less, especiallypreferably 0.7% or less, most preferably 0.3% or less.

Ta₂O₅ and Gd₂O₃ may be contained in small amounts in order to inhibitthe chemically strengthened glass from fracturing. However, since theyheighten the refractive index and reflectance, the content of each ofthem is preferably 1% or less, more preferably 0.5% or less, and it isstill more preferable that the glass for strengthening containssubstantially no Ta₂O₅ and substantially no Gd₂O₃.

P₂O₅ may be contained in order to improve the ion exchange performance.In the case of incorporating P₂O₅, the content thereof is preferably0.5% or higher, more preferably 1% or higher. From the standpoint ofenhancing the chemical durability, the content of P₂O₅ is preferably 2%or less, and it is more preferable that the glass for strengtheningcontains substantially no P₂O₅.

In the case of coloring the glass, coloring ingredients may be added solong as the addition thereof does not inhibit the desired chemicalstrengthening properties from being attained. Examples of the coloringingredients include Co₃O₄, MnO₂, Fe₂O₃, NiO, CuO, Cr₂O₃, V₂O₅, Bi₂O₃,SeO₂, TiO₂, CeO₂, Fr₂O₃, and Nd₂O₃. One of these may be used alone, ortwo or more thereof may be used in combination.

The content of such coloring ingredients is preferably 7% or less, interms of total content. Thus, the glass can be inhibited fromdevitrifying. The content of coloring ingredients is more preferably 5%or less, still more preferably 3% or less, especially preferably 1% orless. In the case where the glass is desired to have a heightenedvisible-light transmittance, it is preferable that the glass containssubstantially none of these ingredients.

The glass for strengthening may suitably contain SO₃, a chloride, afluoride, etc. as a refining agent during melting the glass. It ispreferable that the glass contains substantially no As₂O₃. In the casewhere Sb₂O₃ is contained, the content thereof is preferably 0.3% orless, more preferably 0.1% or less. It is most preferable that the glasscontains substantially no Sb₂O₃.

The present strengthened glass preferably is a chemically strengthenedglass obtained by chemically strengthening the present glass forstrengthening which has the composition described above. The basecomposition thereof is the same as the composition of the glass forchemical strengthening.

Namely, it is preferable, for example, that the present strengthenedglass includes, in mass percentage on an oxide basis, 55-80% of SiO₂,15-28% of Al₂O₃, 0-10% of B₂O₃, 2-10% of Li₂O, 0.5-10% of Na₂O, and0-10% of K₂O and has a total content (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO) of MgO, CaO, SrO,and BaO of 0-10% and a total content (ZrO₂+TiO₂) of ZrO₂ and TiO₂ of0-5%.

Method for Producing the Chemically Strengthened Glass

A chemically strengthened glass is produced by chemically strengtheninga glass for chemical strengthening produced by a general glassproduction process.

The chemical strengthening treatment is a treatment in which thesurfaces of the glass are subjected to an ion exchange treatment to forma surface layer having compressive stress. Specifically, an ion exchangetreatment is conducted at a temperature not higher than the glasstransition point of the glass for chemical strengthening, therebyreplacing metal ions having a small ionic radius (typically, Li ions orNa ions) present in the vicinity of the glass sheet surfaces with ionshaving a larger ionic radius (typically, Na or K ions for Li ions; and Kions for Na ions).

The present strengthened glass can be produced, for example, bychemically strengthening a glass for chemical strengthening which hasthe composition described above.

The glass for chemical strengthening can be produced, for example, inthe manner described below. The production method described below is anexample for the case of producing a sheet-shaped chemically strengthenedglass.

Raw materials for glass are mixed so as to obtain a glass having, forexample, a preferred composition described above, and this mixture ismelted by heating in a glass melting furnace. Thereafter, the glass ishomogenized by bubbling, stirring, addition of a refining agent, etc.,formed into a glass sheet having a given thickness by a conventionallyknown forming method, and slowly cooled. Alternatively, a sheet-shapedglass may be obtained by a method in which the homogenized molten glassis formed into a block shape, slowly cooled, and then cut.

Examples of methods for forming the molten glass into a sheet shapeinclude a float process, a pressing process, a fusion process, and adowndraw process. The float process is preferred especially in the caseof producing large glass sheets. Continuous forming methods other thanthe float process, such as the fusion process and the downdraw processare also preferred.

Thereafter, the glass obtained by the forming is ground and polishedaccording to need. Thus, a glass sheet is obtained. In the case wherethe glass sheet is to be cut into a given shape and size or to besubjected to chamfering, it is preferred to conduct the cutting orchamfering of the glass sheet before the chemical strengtheningtreatment described below is performed, because the chemicalstrengthening treatment forms a compressive stress layer also in the endsurfaces.

The glass sheet thus obtained is subjected to a chemical strengtheningtreatment and then washed and dried. Thus, a chemically strengthenedglass is obtained.

Chemical Strengthening Treatment

A chemical strengthening treatment is a treatment in which a glass isbrought into contact with a metal salt by, for example, immersing theglass in the melt of the metal salt (e.g., potassium nitrate) containinga metal ion (typically, Na ion or K ion) having a large ionic radius, tothereby replace metal ions having a small ionic radius (typically, Naions or Li ions) present in the glass with metal ions (typically, Na orK ions for Li ions; or K ions for Na ions) having a large ionic radius.

From the standpoint of heightening the rate of the chemicalstrengthening treatment, it is preferred to utilize the “Li-Na exchange”in which Li ions in the glass are replaced with Na ions. From thestandpoint of imparting high compressive stress by ion exchange, it ispreferred to utilize the “Na-K exchange” in which Na ions in the glassare replaced with K ions.

Examples of the molten salt for conducting the chemical strengtheningtreatment include nitrates, sulfates, carbonates, and chlorides.Examples of the nitrates among these include lithium nitrate, sodiumnitrate, potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, and silver nitrate. Examplesof the sulfates include lithium sulfate, sodium sulfate, potassiumsulfate, cesium sulfate, and silver sulfate. Examples of the carbonatesinclude lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and potassium carbonate.Examples of the chlorides include lithium chloride, sodium chloride,potassium chloride, cesium chloride, and silver chloride. One of thesemolten salts may be used alone, or two or more thereof may be used incombination.

The present strengthened glass can be produced, for example, using thestrengthening method 1 or strengthening method 2 explained below.

Strengthening Method 1

In strengthening method 1, an Li₂O-containing glass for chemicalstrengthening is first brought into contact with a metal salt (firstmetal salt) containing a sodium (Na) ion, thereby causing an ionexchange between Na ions in the metal salt and Li ions in the glass.This ion exchange treatment is hereinafter sometimes referred to as“first-stage treatment”.

In the first-stage treatment, the glass for chemical strengthening is,for example, immersed for about 0.1-24 hours in a metal salt containingan Na ion (e.g., sodium nitrate) having a temperature of about 350-500°C. From the standpoint of improving the production efficiency, the timeperiod of the first-stage treatment is preferably 12 hours or less, morepreferably 6 hours or less.

By the first-stage treatment, a compressive stress layer having a largedepth is formed in the glass surfaces, and a stress profile can beformed in which the CS is 200 MPa or higher and the DOL is ⅛ or more ofthe sheet thickness. Furthermore, a large value of D_(50M) is obtained.In the glass which has undergone the first-stage treatment, the absolutevalue of the inclination of the stress profile in the range of DOL/4 toDOL/2, which corresponds to m₁ described above, is larger than theabsolute value of the inclination of the stress profile in the range ofDOL/2 to DOL, which corresponds to m₂ described above. The glass whichhas undergone the first-stage treatment has a large value of CT and ishence prone to scatter fragments upon breakage. However, since thescattering of fragments is mitigated by the subsequent treatments, alarge value of CT in this stage is rather preferred. The CT of the glasswhich has undergone the first-stage treatment is preferably 90 MPa orhigher, more preferably 100 MPa or higher, still more preferably 110 MPaor higher. This is because such a high CT results in a large value ofD_(50M).

The first metal salt is one or more alkali metal salts, and Na ions arecontained therein as alkali metal ions in the largest amount. Althoughthe first metal salt may contain Li ions, the content of Li ions, withrespect to 100 mol% of the alkali ions, is preferably 2% or less, morepreferably 1% or less, still more preferably 0.2% or less. The firstmetal salt may contain K ions. The content of K ions, with respect to100 mol% of the alkali ions contained in the first metal salt, ispreferably 20% or less, more preferably 5% or less.

Next, the glass which has undergone the first-stage treatment is broughtinto contact with a metal salt (second metal salt) containing a lithium(Li) ion to cause an ion exchange between Li ions in the metal salt andNa ions in the glass, thereby lowering the compressive stress value of aregion near the surface layer. This treatment is may be referred to as“second-stage treatment”.

Specifically, for example, the glass is immersed for about 0.1-24 hoursin metal salts including both Na and Li (for example, a salt mixtureincluding sodium nitrate and lithium nitrate) having a temperature ofabout 350-500° C. From the standpoint of improving the productionefficiency, the time period of the second-stage treatment is preferably12 hours or less, more preferably 6 hours or less.

After the second-stage treatment, the absolute value of the inclinationof the stress profile in the range of DOL/4 to DOL/2, which correspondsto m₁ described above, is smaller than the absolute value of theinclination of the stress profile in the range of DOL/2 to DOL, whichcorresponds to m₂ described above. As a result, the treated glass has areduced value of CT. Meanwhile, the second-stage treatment exerts noinfluence on the stress profile of inner portions of the glass and,hence, the value of D_(50M) is not reduced by the second-stagetreatment.

The glass which has undergone the second-stage treatment can have areduced value of internal tensile stress while retaining a large valueof D_(50M), and does not fracture vigorously upon breakage.

The second metal salt is one or more alkali metal salts, and preferablycontains an Na ion and an Li ion as alkali metal ions. Nitrates arepreferred. The total content in mol% of Na ions and Li ions, withrespect to 100 mol% of the alkali metal ions contained in the secondmetal salt, is preferably 50% or higher, more preferably 70% or higher,still more preferably 80% or higher. By regulating the Na/Li molarratio, the stress profile in the range of DOL/4 to DOL/2 can becontrolled.

Optimal values of the Na/Li molar ratio of the second metal salt varydepending on the glass composition. For example, the Na/Li molar ratiois preferably 0.3 or larger, more preferably 0.5 or larger, still morepreferably 1 or larger. In case where the Na/Li ratio is too large, itis difficult to increase the D_(50M) while keeping the CT low. The Na/Liratio is preferably 100 or less, more preferably 60 or less, still morepreferably 40 or less.

In the case where the second metal salt is a salt mixture includingsodium nitrate and lithium nitrate, the mass ratio of sodium nitrate andlithium nitrate is, for example, preferably from 25:75 to 99:1, morepreferably from 50:50 to 98:2, and preferably from 70:30 to 97:3.

Next, the glass which has undergone the second-stage treatment isbrought into contact with a metal salt (third metal salt) containing apotassium (K) ion to cause an ion exchange between K ions in the metalsalt and Na ions in the glass, thereby generating high compressivestress in the glass surfaces. This ion exchange treatment may bereferred to as “third-stage treatment”.

Specifically, for example, the glass is immersed for about 0.1-10 hoursin a metal salt containing a K ion (for example, potassium nitrate)having a temperature of about 350-500° C. This process can generate highcompressive stress in a glass surface layer of about 0-10 µm.

The third-stage treatment increases the compressive stress of shallowglass-surface portions only and exerts almost no influence on innerportions. Therefore, high compressive stress can be generated in surfacelayers while maintaining a large value of D_(50M) and keeping theinternal tensile stress low.

The third metal salt is one or more alkali metal salts, and may containan Li ion as an alkali metal ion. However, the content of Li ions, withrespect to 100 at.% of the alkali metals, is preferably 2% or less, morepreferably 1% or less, still more preferably 0.2% or less. The contentof Na ions is preferably 2% or less, more preferably 1% or less, stillmore preferably 0.2% or less.

Strengthening method 1 is preferred from the standpoint of attaininghigh production efficiency, because the first to the third stagetreatments can be carried out in a total treatment period of 24 hours orless. The total treatment period is preferably 15 hours or less, morepreferably 10 hours or less.

Strengthening Method 2

In strengthening method 2, a first-stage treatment is first conducted inwhich an Li₂O-containing glass for chemical strengthening is broughtinto contact with a first metal salt containing a sodium (Na) ion,thereby causing an ion exchange between Na ions in the metal salt and Liions in the glass.

This first-stage treatment is the same as in strengthening method 1, andan explanation thereon hence is omitted.

Next, the glass which has undergone the first-stage treatment isheat-treated without being in contact with any metal salt. Thistreatment is referred to as “second-stage treatment”.

In the second-stage treatment, the glass which has undergone thefirst-stage treatment is, for example, held in the air at a temperatureof 350° C. or higher for a given time period. The holding temperature isnot higher than the strain point of the glass for chemicalstrengthening, and is preferably not higher by 10° C. than thetemperature used for the first-stage treatment, more preferably the sameas the temperature used for the first-stage treatment.

It is thought that in this treatment, the alkali ions which have beenintroduced into the glass surfaces by the first-stage treatment diffusethermally, thereby reducing the CT.

Next, the glass which has undergone the second-stage treatment isbrought into contact with a third metal salt containing a potassium (K)ion to cause an ion exchange between K ions in the metal salt and Naions in the glass, thereby generating high compressive stress in theglass surfaces. This ion exchange treatment may be referred to as“third-stage treatment”.

This third-stage treatment is the same as in strengthening method 1, andan explanation thereon hence is omitted.

Strengthening method 2 is preferred from the standpoint of attaininghigh production efficiency, because the first to the third stagetreatments can be carried out in a total treatment period of 24 hours orless. The total treatment period is preferably 15 hours or less, morepreferably 10 hours or less.

According to strengthening method 1, a stress profile can be preciselycontrolled by regulating the composition of the second metal salt or thetreatment temperature to be used in the second-stage treatment.

According to strengthening method 2, a chemically strengthened glasshaving excellent properties can be obtained at low cost throughrelatively simple treatments.

For conditions of the chemical strengthening treatments, time,temperature or the like may be suitably selected while taking account ofthe properties and composition of the glass, kind of the molten salt(s),etc.

The chemically strengthened glass of the present invention is especiallyuseful as cover glasses for use in, for example, mobile appliances suchas cell phones and smartphones. The chemically strengthened glass of thepresent invention is useful also as the cover glasses of display devicesnot for carrying, e.g., TVs, personal computers, and touch panels, andas wall surfaces of elevator cages and wall surfaces (full-surfacedisplays) of architectural structures such as houses and buildings. Thechemically strengthened glass of the present invention is useful also inapplications such as architectural materials including window glasses,table tops, interior components for motor vehicles, airplanes, etc. orthe cover glasses of such interior components, and housings having acurved surface.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is explained below by reference to Examples, butthe present invention should not be limited thereto.

Raw materials for glass were weighed out and mixed together so as toresult in each of the compositions of glasses 1, 2, and 4 to 8 shown inTable 2 in mass percentage on an oxide basis, such that each glassweighed 1,000 g. Each mixture of raw materials was put in a platinumcrucible, and then the crucible was introduced into an electric furnaceof 1,500-1,700° C. to heat the mixture of raw materials for about 3hours to conduct melting, degassing, and homogenization.

The molten glass obtained was poured into a mold, held therein at atemperature of (glass transition point+50° C.) for 1 hour, and thencooled to room temperature at a rate of 0.5° C./min to obtain a glassblock. The glass block obtained was cut and ground, and both surfacesthereof were finally mirror-polished, thereby obtaining glass sheetshaving a thickness (t) of 800 µm. Meanwhile, glass 3 was produced by thefloat process.

The glasses thus obtained were evaluated for the following properties.

The average linear expansion coefficient (α) (×10⁻⁷ /°C) and the glasstransition point (Tg) (°C) were determined in accordance with JIS R3102(1995), “Testing method for average linear thermal expansion of glass”.Young’s modulus (E) (GPa) was determined by an ultrasonic pulse method(JIS R1602 (1995)). T₄ (°C) and T₂ (°C) were measured with a rotationalviscometer in accordance with ASTM C 965-96 (2012).

Liquid Phase Temperature (T_(L))

A glass which had not undergone chemical strengthening was crushed, andthe fragments were classified with 4-mm and 2-mm mesh sieves, washed,and then dried to obtain cullet. The cullet was placed in an amount of2-5 g on a platinum dish, held for 17 hours in an electric furnace keptat a constant temperature, taken out and cooled in the roomtemperatureair, and then examined for devitrification with a polarizing microscope;this operation was repeated to determine a highest temperature (T1) atwhich devitrification was observed and a lowest temperature (T2) atwhich devitrification was not observed. The average of T1 and T2 wastaken as the T_(L). The operation was performed so that the differencebetween T1 and T2 was within 20° C.

TABLE 2 Glass 1 Glass 2 Glass 3 Glass 4 Glass 5 Glass 6 Glass 7 Glass 8SiO₂ 68.6 59.2 60.9 62.5 61.1 59.8 60.4 57.4 Al₂O₃ 16.6 22.7 12.8 18.019.5 20.9 19.5 24.2 B₂O₃ 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.4 Li₂O 4.9 6.3 5.3 5.2 5.25.2 3.2 Na₂O 3.0 1.9 12.2 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.8 3.9 K₂O 1.5 7.3 5.9 6.2 6.16.1 6.2 0.1 MgO 3.3 0.6 6.7 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.8 0.6 CaO 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.21.3 SrO 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.8 BaO 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 ZrO₂ 2.0 1.91.0 2.0 2.0 1.9 2.0 0 TiO₂ 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 Tg 586 534 604 543 552 562552 α 63 87 98 82 82 82 83 E 84 84 74 82 82 83 83 75 T₂ 1675 1620 16011592 1581 1579 1554 1625 T₄ 1211 1150 1176 1135 1139 1145 1122 1220T_(L) 1195 1150 1150 1087 1175 unevaluated 1142 1110

The chemically strengthened glasses of the following Example 1 toExample 12 were produced from glasses 1 to 8 and then evaluated.Examples 1 to 3 and 8 to 12 are Working Examples, and Examples 4 to 7are Comparative Examples.

Example 1

A sheet of glass 1 was immersed in 450° C. sodium nitrate salt for 3hours. Subsequently, the glass was immersed in a 375° C. salt mixture ofsodium nitrate and lithium nitrate (mass ratio, 85:15) for 3 hours. Theglass was then immersed in 400° C. potassium nitrate salt for 1 hour,thereby obtaining a chemically strengthened glass sheet (totalstrengthening period, 7 hours).

Example 2

A chemically strengthened glass sheet was obtained in the same manner asin Example 1, except that the sheet of glass 1 which had been immersedin 450° C. sodium nitrate salt for 3 hours was held in the air at 450°C. for 3 hours in place of being immersed in the salt mixture of sodiumnitrate and lithium nitrate used in Example 1 (total strengtheningperiod, 7 hours).

Example 3

A sheet of glass 2 was immersed in 450° C. sodium nitrate salt for 3hours, subsequently held in the air at 450° C. for 3 hours, and thenimmersed in 400° C. potassium nitrate salt for 0.5 hours, therebyobtaining a chemically strengthened glass (total strengthening period,6.5 hours).

Example 4

A sheet of glass 1 was immersed in a 450° C. salt mixture of potassiumnitrate and sodium nitrate (mass ratio, 90:10) for 1.5 hours, therebyobtaining a chemically strengthened glass sheet (total strengtheningperiod, 1.5 hours).

Example 5

A sheet of glass 1 was immersed in 450° C. sodium nitrate salt for 2hours and then immersed in 450° C. potassium nitrate salt for 4 hours,thereby obtaining a chemically strengthened glass sheet (totalstrengthening period, 6 hours).

Example 6

A sheet of glass 1 was immersed in 450° C. sodium nitrate salt for 3hours and then immersed in 400° C. potassium nitrate salt for 1 hour,thereby obtaining a chemically strengthened glass sheet (totalstrengthening period, 4 hours).

Example 7

A sheet of glass 3 was immersed in 450° C. potassium nitrate salt for 4hours, subsequently held in the air at 500° C. for 5 hours, and thenimmersed in 400° C. potassium nitrate salt for 15 minutes, therebyobtaining a chemically strengthened glass sheet (total strengtheningperiod, 9.25 hours).

Example 8

A sheet of glass 4 was immersed in 450° C. sodium nitrate salt for 4hours, subsequently held in the air at 450° C. for 1 hour, and thenimmersed in 400° C. potassium nitrate salt for 1 hour, thereby obtaininga chemically strengthened glass sheet (total strengthening period, 6hours).

Examples 9 to 11

The glass sheets shown in Table 4 were each immersed in 450° C. sodiumnitrate salt for 4 hours, subsequently held in the air at 450° C. for 3hours, and then immersed in 400° C. potassium nitrate salt for 1 hour,thereby obtaining chemically strengthened glass sheets (totalstrengthening period, 8 hours).

Example 12

A glass sheet of glass 8 was immersed in 450° C. sodium nitrate salt for3 hours, subsequently held in the air at 450° C. for 1 hour, and thenimmersed in 450° C. potassium nitrate salt for 1 hour, thereby obtaininga chemically strengthened glass sheet (total strengthening period, 5hours).

The chemically strengthened glass sheets of Examples 1 to 12 wereevaluated as follows.

Stress Profile

Stress values were measured using surface stress meter FSM-6000,manufactured by Orihara Industrial Co., Ltd., and measuring device SLP1000, manufactured by Orihara Industrial Co., Ltd., which is based onscattered-light photoelasticity. The results of the examination ofchemically strengthened glasses 1, 3, 5, 7, and 12 are respectivelyshown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 . In each chart, the depth to theportion indicated by arrow c (point where the compressive stress is 0)is DOL (unit: µm). Furthermore, the following values were read in eachchart: the compressive stress value (CS₁) (unit: MPa) at a depth ofDOL/4, which is indicated by arrow a; the compressive stress value (CS₂)(unit: MPa) at a depth of DOL/2, which is indicated by arrow b; thecompressive stress value (CS₀) (unit: MPa) at the glass surface (pointhaving a depth of 0); and the compressive stress value (CS₃) (unit; MPa)at a depth of 2.5 µm.

From these results were calculated m₁ (unit; MPa/µm), m₂ (unit; MPa/µm),m₃ (unit; MPa/µm), and m₁/m₂ using the following expressions.

m₁ = (CS₁ − CS₂)/(DOL/4 − DOL/2)

m₂ = CS₂/(DOL/2 − DOL)

m₃ = (CS₀ − CS₃)/2.5

Furthermore, the maximum depth (D_(50M)) (unit: µm) giving a CS of 50MPa or higher and the tensile stress value (CT) (unit: MPa) at a depthof (t×½) were read.

Dropping-onto-asphalt Strength Test

Each chemically strengthened glass sheet was regarded as a cover glassfor smartphones and attached to a housing as a simulation of asmartphone, and this assembly was dropped onto a flat asphalt pavementsurface. The total mass of the chemically strengthened glass sheet andthe housing was about 140 g.

The test was initiated with a height of 30 cm. In cases when thechemically strengthened glass sheet did not crack, the assembly wasdropped from a height increased by 10 cm. This test was repeated, andthe height (unit: cm) which resulted in cracking was recorded. This testwas taken as one set, and ten sets were repeatedly performed. An averageof the heights which resulted in cracking was taken as “dropping height”(cm).

Each blank in Tables 3 and 4 means that the glass has not been examined.

Number of Fragments

Using a diamond indenter having an indenter angle of 90 degrees betweenthe opposed faces, a chemically strengthened glass sheet which was 20 mmsquare was broken by an indenter indentation test in which a load of3-10 kgf was kept being imposed on the indenter for 15 seconds. Thenumber of fragments (number of fragments) resulting from the breakage ofthe chemically strengthened glass was counted.

TABLE 3 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 Example 6Glass composition glass 1 glass 1 glass 2 glass 1 glass 1 glass 1Thickness 800 800 800 800 800 800 Strengthening conditions Na salt, 450°C., 3 h ↓ Na-Li salt, 375° C., 3 h ↓ Na salt, 400° C., 1 h Na salt, 450°C., 3 h ↓ in air, 450° C., 3 h ↓ Na salt, 400° C., 1 h Na salt, 450° C.,3 h ↓ in air, 450° C., 3 h ↓ Na salt, 400° C., 0.5 h K-Na salt, 450° C.,1.5 h Na salt, 450° C., 2 h ↓ K salt, 450° C., 4 h Na salt, 450° C., 3 h↓ K salt, 400° C., 1 h DOL 177 172 160 115 170 139 DOL/t 0.22 0.21 0.200.14 0.21 0.17 CS₀ 1070 1060 880 670 820 1067 CS₁ 105 87 132 170 78 203CS₂ 78 70 114 101 51 125 m₁ -0.61 -0.40 -0.45 -2.40 -0.64 -2.24 m₂ -0.88-0.82 -1.43 -1.76 -0.60 -1.80 m₁/m₂ 0.69 0.49 0.31 1.36 1.07 1.25D_(50M) 123 117 128 90 81 115 0.55 DOL 97 95 88 63 94 76 CT 80 78 85 5585 108 Number of fragments 3 5 3 2 2 more than 50 Dropping height 138 8080

TABLE 4 Example 7 Example 8 Example 9 Example 10 Example 11 Example12Glass composition glass 3 glass 4 glass 5 glass 6 glass 7 glass 8Thickness 700 800 800 800 800 600 Strengthening conditions K salt, 450°C., 4 h ↓ in air, 500° C., 5 h ↓ K salt, 400° C., 15 min Na salt, 450°C., 4 h ↓ in air, 450° C., 1 h ↓ K salt, 400° C., 1 h Na salt, 450° C.,4 h ↓ in air, 450° C., 3 h ↓ K salt, 400° C., 1 h Na salt, 450° C., 4 h↓ in air, 450° C., 3 h ↓ K salt, 400° C., 1 h Na salt, 450° C., 4 h ↓ inair, 450° C., 3 h ↓ K salt, 400° C., 1 h Na salt, 450° C., 3 h ↓ in air,450° C., 1 h ↓ K salt, 450° C., 1 h DOL 74 124 133 147 143 121 DOL/t0.11 0.16 0.17 0.18 0.18 0.2 CS₀ 550 1022 1077 1073 1019 1040 CS₁ 252171 139 154 150 152 CS₂ 174 127 107 129 113 130 m₁ -4.22 -1.42 -0.96-0.68 -1.03 -0.73 m₂ -4.70 -2.05 -1.61 -1.76 -1.58 -2.15 m₁/m₂ 0.90 0.690.60 0.39 0.65 0.34 D_(50M) 62 97 110 122 107 99 0.55×DOL 41 68 73 81 7966 CT 40 72 75 72 66 85 Number of fragments 2 2 2 2 2 2 Dropping height70

Example 1, which had a preferred stress profile, showed excellentdropping-onto-asphalt resistance and gave a small number of fragments.Examples 4 and 5, which were large in m₁/m₂, were poor indropping-onto-asphalt strength, although high in CS₁ and CS₂. Example 6,which was small in m₁ and m₂, had a large value of CT and hencefractured vigorously. Example 7, which was small in DOL, showed a lowdropping-onto-asphalt strength.

Examples 2, 3, and 8 to 12, which are Working Examples which differedfrom Example 1 in strengthening conditions or glass composition, eachhad a preferred stress profile like Example 1 and can be expected toshow a high dropping-onto-asphalt strength.

While the present invention has been described in detail with referenceto specific embodiments thereof, it is obvious to those skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thisapplication is based on a Japanese patent application filed on Jun. 28,2017 (Application No. 2017-126357) and a Japanese patent applicationfiled on Oct. 26, 2017 (Application No. 2017-207310), the contentsthereof are incorporated herein by reference.

1. A chemically strengthened glass having a sheet shape and having a compressive stress layer in a glass surface, wherein: the glass surface has a compressive stress value (CS₀) of 500 MPa or higher; a sheet thickness (t) is 400 µm or larger; a depth of the compressive stress layer (DOL) is (t×0.15) µm or larger; a compressive stress value (CS₁) measured at a point lying at a depth of ¼ of the DOL from the glass surface is 50 MPa or higher; a compressive stress value (CS₂) measured at a point lying at a depth of ½ of the DOL from the glass surface is 50 MPa or higher; and a value of m₁ represented by the following expression is -0.2 MPa/µm or less, a value of m₂ represented by the following expression is 0 MPa/µm or less, and a ratio (m₁/m₂) between the value of m₁ and the value of m₂ is 0.25 or larger: m₁ = (CS₁ − CS₂)/(DOL/4 − DOL/2), m₂ = CS₂/(DOL/2 − DOL). . 2-5. (canceled)
 6. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 1, having an internal tensile stress value of less than 100 MPa.
 7. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 1, wherein a value of m₃ represented by the following expression is 120 MPa/µm or larger, with respect to a compressive stress value (CS₃) measured at a point lying at a depth from the glass surface of 2.5 µm: m₃ = (CS₀ − CS₃)/2.5. . 8-17. (canceled)
 18. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 7, wherein the value of m₃ is 150 MPa/µm or larger.
 19. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 7, wherein the value of m₃ is 180 MPa/µm or larger.
 20. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 7, wherein the value of m₃ is 200 MPa/µm or larger.
 21. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 7, wherein the value of m₃ is 220 MPa/µm or larger.
 22. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 7, wherein the value of m₃ is 500 MPa/µm or less.
 23. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 1, having a maximum depth which gives the compressive stress value of 50 MPa or higher of (0.55×DOL)µm or larger with respect to the DOL.
 24. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 1, having a base composition comprising, in mass percentage on an oxide basis: 50-70% of SiO₂; 0-10% of B₂O₃; 2-7% of Li₂O; 0.5-6% of Na₂O; 0-8% of K₂O; 0-5% of (MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO); and 0-3% of (ZrO₂+TiO₂).
 25. The chemically strengthened glass according to claim 24, having a base composition comprising, in mass percentage on an oxide basis: 15-28% of Al₂O₃. 